Vegetation can be used to reduce the ground temperature and the amount of reflected heat on your walls or windows, and they can provide a cooling effect through plant transpiration. Of course, plants can often take years to grow sufficiently to provide adequate sun protection, so they are considered a longer term solution.
TIPS FOR USING PLANTS FOR SHADING
- Match plant characteristics (such as foliage density, canopy height and spread) to shading requirements. Choose local native species with low water requirements wherever possible. Local nurseries can give advice on appropriate plants. Be mindful of planting trees with invasive root systems too close to buildings.
- In addition to providing shade, plants can assist cooling by transpiration. Plants also enhance the visual environment and create pleasant filtered light. Deciduous plants allow winter sun through and exclude summer sun. Trees with high canopies are useful for shading roofs and large portions of the building structure.
- Shrubs are appropriate for more localised shading of windows.
- Wall vines and ground cover insulate against summer heat and reduce reflected radiation.
- Select plants that allow filtered light into the building
